Littlehampton Musical Comedy Society celebrates 70th anniversary with exhibition at Littlehampton Museum, The Show Must Go On

The society has performed 156 different shows over the past 70 years, with Oklahoma! being staged five times and Calamity Jane the second most popular book show, with three separate productions – the first in 1968 and the most recent in August 2022. There have been 53 pantomimes, the most popular being Aladdin and Cinderella, having been produced eight times over the years. Cinderella was first staged in 1957, with Aladdin the choice for the following year.

Originally known as Littlehampton Independent Light Operatic Society, the group was founded in 1951, with the first meeting in St Catherine's Hall on June 13. There were 33 members and one of the first items on the agenda was the name, due to concerns that using 'Independent' could be seen as political. The first show was The Arcadians, an Edwardian musical comedy staged at Wick Hall in 1952, and from there the society went from strength to strength, seeing their reputation grow as they staged numerous musicals, pantomimes and review shows.

With success came the need for a larger, more central location, so in 1967, the society moved to the newly-renovated Western Pavilion, now Windmill Entertainment Centre. In fact, the society gave Littlehampton Urban District Council a £1,000 loan to help fund the renovation and the Windmill remains its base to this day. 'Rules' include never bringing a peacock feather or mirror on stage, as they bring misfortune, never saying Macbeth unless related to the play, and never giving performers flowers before a show, as it is taboo to reward actors in advance of their performance.

The exhibition The Show Must Go On will be at Littlehampton Museum until February 19 and admission is free. As well as the displays, there is an opportunity to dress up and put on a performance.